Labor occurs between 37-42 weeks when the foetus is considered full term. It usually commences with uterine contractions in preparation of child birth. A woman might experience, bloody mucus discharge and the amniotic water break. All these are signs that labor is starting and the baby is ready to be born. The labor may last for 12-18 hours for first pregnancies and, 6-9 hours for subsequent pregnancies. 

The labor can be divided into three stages. 

1) First stage 

2) Second Stage 

3) Third stage 

The first stage can be further divided in two phases; early labor, active labor and transitional labor. 

 In the early labor, the cervix thins and dilates to 3-4cm. It can occur for 20 hours, or less. The contractions can range from mild to strong occurring at regular interval usually 4-5 minutes interval. At this point, you should be prepared to go to the hospital. You could also experience severe back pain, bloody mucus discharge and cramps in the stomach. 

Active labor

In this stage, the cervix dilates from 3-6cm to 6-10 cm. The contractions are intense, last between 60-90 seconds and, occur regulary at the interval of 1-2 minutes. 

Second Stage: Actual child delivery

At this stage, the cervix is fully dilated. A woman may feel the urge to push as the baby is ready to be born. The stage may last few minutes or hours. The mother is urged to push with each contraction. Once the baby's head is out, the rest of the body follows. The doctors clears the airways as the baby takes it's first breath and cuts the umbilical cord.

Third Stage: Delivery of the Placenta

It may last between 5-30 minutes. The doctors may ask you to push one more time to deliver the Placenta. You may be given medications to induce uterine contractions and reduce bleeding.

Share the article.

Content created and supplied by: Tonie_art (via Opera News )